Education Minister Grace Grace today congratulated Queensland's highest achieving Year 12 graduates from the class of 2021 — a group who are destined to be among our future surgeons, computer scientists, biomedical engineers and economists. "This year 47 graduates have received a prestigious Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Award for exceptional academic achievements," Ms Grace said. "One of these young people attended Toowoomba Grammar School. "Aaron Palmer was recognised in the Distinguished Academic Achiever category and receives a certificate, trophy and $1000. "Aaron got six straight A grades in his senior subjects and completed a university subject in anatomy and physiology while at school.
"He will study Biomedical Sciences at the University of Southern Queensland and hopes to be a specialist doctor in the future." Toowoomba Grammar School graduate Aaron Palmer said he decided to become a doctor because it has everything he could want in a job – meaningful work, helping others, challenging career, human interaction and financial security. "My advice to other students is to aim for 100%, because even though you might not achieve it, you will be more than happy with your results that you received by working that hard and aiming that high." Ms Grace said the awards reinforced that Queensland's new senior curriculum and assessment system enabled students from across the state to reach their full potential. "These award winners are the second cohort to graduate in the new QCE system and attended State, Catholic and Independent schools from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ingham and Rockhampton," Ms Grace said. "I applaud the school principals and teachers responsible for the learning cultures and commitment to high standards that helped these young people to flourish. "This is also a proud day for the award winners' families. I'm sure they are an important part of their children's success." The QCE Achievement Awards are sponsored by Griffith University, James Cook University, The University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland.
View profiles of the award winners. View the QCAA Certification Summary of 2021 results. Footage and images of Minister Grace and the outstanding academic achievers are available here.
